Rajasthan is big. The four great cities sit at the corners of a 1,500 km loop, and the most common mistake is trying to see them all in five days.
Here's the nine-day version we've refined over many trips, with drive times and the one thing in each city that you shouldn't miss.
Days 1–2: What Should You See in Jaipur?
Arrive, settle in, and walk the bazaars to the Hawa Mahal in the late-afternoon light. On day 2, be at Amber Fort when it opens: the Sheesh Mahal is far better without crowds. Then the Panna Meena stepwell, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, finishing at Nahargarh for sunset.
Save money
- Jaipur's composite ticket covers Amber, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall and Nahargarh over two days
Days 3–4: How Long Do You Need in Udaipur?
Two nights. The drive from Jaipur takes most of day 3, so day 4 is your real Udaipur day: the City Palace museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari, a boat on Lake Pichola late in the afternoon, and the Dharohar folk show at Bagore ki Haveli.
Day 5: Is Ranakpur Worth the Detour?
Absolutely, and it's barely a detour; it sits on the road from Udaipur to Jodhpur. The 15th-century Jain temple has 1,444 carved marble pillars, and no two are alike. Non-Jain visitors are allowed in from noon, so leave Udaipur after breakfast.
If you love forts, swap Ranakpur for Kumbhalgarh, whose 36 km wall is one of the longest in the world. Doing both makes a long day.
Day 6: What Is Special About Jodhpur?
Mehrangarh. It's one of India's most impressive forts and has one of its best museums. Afterwards, walk to Jaswant Thada and down into the blue lanes of Navchokiya. In the evening, eat your way around the Clock Tower: mirchi vada, pyaaz kachori and makhaniya lassi.
Days 7–9: Jaisalmer and a Night in the Desert
Jaisalmer is 5 hours west. Spend the afternoon at Patwon ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake, and the next morning inside the fort, one of the few in the world where people still live. Then drive out via the ruins of Kuldhara to the Sam dunes for a camel ride at sunset and a night in a camp.
On day 9, drive back to Jodhpur (about 6 hours) for an evening flight or train.
Desert camp tips
- Nights are cold from December to February; pack a warm layer
- Choose a camp away from the busiest dune strip
- Camps run roughly from October to March
